Arsenal against Bayern Munich

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lahm brings down Vermaelen just outside the box and that's another booking.

Tiredness is setting in now. Arsenal look beaten, but if they could just pinch another goal they would be back in the tie.

Arsenal passing the ball well again and trying to find an opening. Giroud turns on the edge of the box, but can't get his shot away. A long ball is never going to see Walcott get on the end of it, and the chance dies.

Rosicky in space, turns, but then he can't get the ball through to Giroud. The Gunners have just been lacking that final piece of quality to get themselves another goal.

Robben dangerous on the counter. He cuts inside and shoots, but the shot comes off Koscielny.

Nice floated ball to Walcott from Wilshere, but Dante comes across and clears the danger. He has impressed tonight, but hasn't been tested perhaps as much as he should have been.

Rosicky finds Walcott in the box, but he was offside. Wenger tucked up in his winter coat, seems to be offering no solutions for his men.

Gustavo with a thunderbolt that deflects off Gomez. Szczesny pushes it out and Gomez has another go, which flies well over the bar.

Hard to see where Arsenal can come back now, as they have been rocked by the third goal. Muller is still running the show for Bayern and the fresh Gomez is causing issues.

Wilshere the catalyst again and he runs into the box to hammer a shot on goal. Neuer gets his hands to it and pushes it up in the air to collect it.

Conceding three goals away from home and it's looking a tough task for Arsenal now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Mandzukic off and Gomez comes on to inflict more pain.

Eventually the ball looped into the net and might even go down as a Sagna own goal. When it rains, it pours.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Mandzukic scores. Robben opened the space, and Lahm made the cross. The striker poked it home, but only after a big deflection.

Cazorla tries a backheel, but it doesn't find his team-mate. A little too clever there from the Spaniard.

There is certainly a feeling that Arsenal can get back into this now. Bayern have gone quiet and the Gunners are playing with more conviction.

Giroud does his defensive duty well, to get in front of the cross from Robben at the near post. Really impressive start from the Frenchman.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/lukaspodolskibayerngoal_275x155.jpg"><br>Podolski gets one back for Arsenal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kroos walks off, Gustavo comes on to tighten things up.

Great ball from Rosicky over to Walcott, the winger traps it and gets it across. Giroud hit it and Neuer blocked, but only because it came right at him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Podolski off and Giroud comes on to play up front.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramsey off and Rosicky comes on.

Now the passing comes, lots of nice triangles, and they are keeping hold of the ball well. Unfortunately, it's not getting them anywhere.

Arsenal on the attack and Podolski is almost found in the box before the ball is cleared.

Great play from Wilshere, who cuts inside and loses the ball, the battles to get it back and almost gets through on goal. Can't fault his commitment.

Schweinsteiger shoots, but the ball flies well over the bar.

Arsenal have not been timing their tackles very well this game. Although they are very good at complaining about the booking.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Yellow happy. Ramsey in the book now for a late one on Muller.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Podolski goes in the book for a late tackle on Robben. That has been coming.

Bayern look so dangerous on the break - Robben was racing through in the middle, but Kroos wasted the chance to pass to him in space. Lucky escape for Arsenal as he ran offside.

Kroos steals the ball from Ramsey, but the referee blows for a foul and Bayern could have been away there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ribery comes off, Robben comes on.

Good hit from Kroos from a tight angle. That could have sneaked under the bar, but Szczesny tips the ball over. From the corner, Martinez heads over with the keeper stuck in No Man's Land.

Martinez breaks up a Wilshere run, but Ramsey brings down Ribery on the edge of the box and now Bayern have a chance.

Wilshere runs at the defence, but is checked and gets up gingerly. Hope he is ok, as he is the heartbeat of the Gunners.

The Arsenal fans are now getting louder... thir side will need all their power to feed off.

Neuer punches from in front of the head of Mertesacker. That was close, and was a good ball in from Wilshere.

A chance to float the ball in now... could the comeback be on?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Muller is now in the book. A poor tackle on Vermaelen on the left.

Bayern looking a little rattled now. Who would have thought that the Gunners would be back in it from a corner!

A stroke of luck and the Gunners now have something to believe in.

A lucky goal there, the corner was not a corner as it came off Podolski, but then when it came in, the ball bounced over everyone and the German headed it into an empty net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Podolski somehow gets his head on it and it's 2-1.

Cazorla getting into the game more, and pushes the ball out to hit it with his left foot. It deflects behind for a corner.

Lots of space down the right for Bayern whenever they need it. Arsenal need to attack, but they need to watch that space as well.

Bayern are pressing the Arsenal defence well, and Koscielny is looking uncomfortable bringing the ball out.

Cazorla and Wilshere looking to link and Dante has to come out and block a volley as Wilshere lets fly.

Cazorla tries to slot it through to Walcott, but the ball is cleared by Dante and now they attack again. So much space on the counter!

The short passing is coming thick and fast, but isn't finding an end product at the moment. Lahm and Kroos try some of their own and almost get through, but Vermaelen is there.

Sagna gets away and links with Cazorla. Good interplay on the outside of the box, but it comes to nothing.

Lahm twisting and turning and trying to get clear, but no signs there is much different to be honest. Bayern are still pressing and Arsenal are pretty much as you were.

Kroos with a good corner and then a good cross, and the ball skids through the Gunners' defence to safety.

Inside 28 seconds, another long ball to Walcott, who falls over and loses it. Not sure the tactics have changed much

<b>KICK-OFF</b> Bayern get us underway again...

Porto v Malaga is goalless, by the way. A better result for the home side right now. <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358627/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">Follow here</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/thomasmullergoalarsenal_275x155.jpg"><br>Muller pokes home the second.

The boos ring out, but then chants of 'come on Arsenal'. There will need to be some changes at the break.

<b>HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 0-2 BAYERN</b>. The Gunners have been totally dominated this half and have hardly been in the game. Things have to change and fast, but credit to the Germans who have been good.

Another long ball is easily dealt with by the Bayern defence.

Two minutes of added time to play.

What a chance. Bayern could have had three. Mandzukic was completely free for a ball in from Lahm, but his header shaved the post.

Wilshere was unlucky not to get a foul just outside the box. Thought he looked like he was brought down, but nothing given.

Arsenal resorting to the long ball as they can't hold onto it. Not the best tactic with Cazorla and Walcott up front.

Podolski caught on the ball and there has been far too much of that this half. The Gunners are off the pace and look like they want half-time.

Muller breaks now for Bayern, but there is nobody up there and the move fizzles out.

Wilshere breaks and releases Cazorla, who gets away from his man. Good passing and chance is there for Walcott but it's on the head again. He can't leap high enough.

Podolski gets away, but floats the ball in to Walcott who is never going to win an aerial battle.

Good flick on and Ramsey is trying to get away. He's not got the pace though and has to turn back into danger.

Sagna pounces on a slip and knocks it inside to Walcott, who turns and tries to get a shot off. Again, the Bayern defence close ranks and keep him out.

Couple of decisions starting to go Arsenal's way, but they are still woefully off the pace.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Schweinsteiger puts a tackle in on Ramsey and the ref books him. He misses the second leg now.

Arsenal still being pressured and hurried on the ball. It's not easy for them at the moment.

Would have been an unlikely goalscorer, but he hit it well and it was very bravely blocked.

The ball drops in the area after it was floated in, and Mertesacker hammers a shot against Van Buyten.

Walcott committed himself to getting hold of the ball and Dante took him out. They are both hurt, but Arsenal's free-kick and the defenders move up

Another couple of passing moves break down and they are not able to make the most of Walcott's pace at the moment, his runs are being tracked by Bayern's defence.

There are just so few options for Arsenal when they get the ball into Bayern's half. They are really struggling.

A mistake by Lahm and now the crowd are up, urging their players on.

In the final third, the Gunners have been rotten. Nothing has gone the way they would have wanted it to. And Bayern are countering with pace and skill.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/tonikroosarsenalgoal_275x155.jpg"><br>Kroos' effort flies in

Cazorla and Walcott try to break, but there is little invention and the move comes to nothing.

Bayern have done well to break up the play though and they counter so well.

Ramsey shows some fight and races back to get hold of the ball. Now Arsenal can attack and they have started to get the flow of their passing back.

Bayern have so far had 5 shots, 3 of which were on target and lead 2-0. Arsenal haven't had one yet.

Arsenal losing their composure and the fans are silent. Maybe even a few boos.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Another Gunner in the book, Arteta with a poor foul and well deserved.

Cazorla goes on a run, but gets the ball stuck under his feet. It's just not working out at the moment.

Bayern on the attack again and Mertsacker heads clear as Martinez was lurking.

Wenger looks pretty disconsolate on the bench. His side have been completely outplayed.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna in the book for a crude tackle on Kroos. That was frustration.

That really was poor defending and Arsenal are rocking now.

It was Van Buytenn who was left free to head on goal, and Szczesny pushed it out to Muller who knocked it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Muller. A corner comes in, the defender headed it on and Muller was there to push it home.

Ribery cuts inside and finds Lahm in space. The ball comes in, but Koscielny blocks at the near post. One way traffic at the moment.

Schweinsteiger cushions the ball after a corner and tries to loop it into the net, but it flies easily over.

Podolski furious at Ribery as he brings him down, but that's been the story of the half for Arsenal. Frustration and little else.

Arsenal can only dream of being that far from goal at the moment, but that almost changed as Martinez pulls off a great tackle on the charging Cazorla.

Schweinsteiger hits the free-kick, but it comes off his own man and goes behind. Two good chances from 25-30 yards for Bayern so far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Vermaelen late on Martinez. He dived in far too easily.

Bayern easily keeping hold of the ball in defence. Walcott is running about, but the Gunners are unable to close down the players.

A good chance to break. Walcott was away and one-on-one, but the Bayern players came back and snuffed out the danger. A very brief spark there from Walcott.

Vermaelen with a poor clearance and Mandzukic was almost in. Bayern reall are puling on the pressure now. Mertesacker has to clear under his own bar with a header.

Van Buyten hit it, but it went straight into the wall.

Kroos runs through the midfield and Arteta brings him down. A free-kick about 30 yards out and there could be a couple of contenders for this one.

Bayern fans making themselves heard and the team are knocking the ball about with ease. Arsenal need to be very careful here or it could all be over.

The Emirates has gone silent. It was a decent start from the Gunners, but they are shellshocked now.

So, the task facing Arsenal is even bigger now. Kroos' away goal has Bayern in the lead 1-0.

The ball to him may not have been meant, but you can't argue with that finish and his effort flew in in the blink of an eye.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Kross goal. The ball was knocked back to the edge of the box and Kroos hammers the ball home. What a finish.

Arteta was making himself a nuisance in front of Neuer for a corner, but a foul was given.

Excellent break from Arsenal with Sagna and Wilshere down the right. Walcott is slid through, but wide, and crosses with no-one in the box.

The ball flies across the Arsenal box and finds Madzukic who hammers a shot against Vermaelen and out for a corner.

Looks very congested in the middle... looks like the flanks might get a decent run this game.

Great ball down the right from Wilshere and Cazorla was free. He crossed, but it was deflected into the arms of Neuer.

Bayern have not had much of a kick at the moment, with the Gunners controlling the early possession.

Ramsey was bursting away there, but the ref blew his whistle for a foul from Martinez. He could have played advantage.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. Arsenal in control

If you fancy a chat, then head <a href="http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/1345787/the-boot-room?cc=5739" target="_blank">here</a>

By the way, if you have accidently landed on this commentary and were looking for Porto v Malaga, then we also have that <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358627/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">here</a>

Kick-off is just minutes away and the players are coming out onto the pitch.

The players are in the tunnel.. Looking forward to seeing how Wenger reacts post-match whatever the score.

Bayern will certainly feel like they can grab an away goal or two at the Emirates. The Gunners' defence is fragile and has Vermaelen playing at LB, with a half-fit Koscielny at CB.

The key could be the pace of Walcott in a central striking role. Van Buyten could be exposed there, but Dutchman will win the physical battle.

The way Arsenal will set up should be interesting. Would not be surprised to see Ramsey playing on the right wing, and Wilshere in deep midfield.

Meanwhile, Arsenal may struggle to keep hold of a tired looking Arsene Wenger. He is <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345554/arsene-wenger-hints-at-arsenal-exit?cc=5739" target="_blank">hinting at an exit</a>, which may happen before his contract ends in 2014.

If they want to get even better, they could always sign Zlatan. And he <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345996/ibrahimovic-open-bayern-move?cc=5739" target="_blank">seems pretty keen to test himself in Germany</a>

It is a very good Bayern side though. 57 goals scored, just 7 conceded in the Bundesliga and they are 15 points clear at the top.

Well, Arsenal's season begins here. Teams have done it before: Chelsea last season won the UCL when out of everything else.

Also a decision made from the German side with striker Mandzukic named over Gomez. Not the biggest call given recent form there though...

So there we have it. Theo Walcott looks like he will get a chance up front on his own, although some suggesting Podolski may the one who plays there. Either way, a big decision from Arsene Wenger.

Bayern subs: Starke, Tymoschuk, Rafinha, Robben, Shaqiri, Gustavo, Gomez

Subs for Arsenal: Mannone, Diaby, Rosicky, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin, Jenkinson

Bayern team: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Javi Martínez, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ribery; Mandzukic

Arsenal team: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Ramsey; Cazorla, Wilshere, Podolski; Walcott.

Sam Limbert will be on the <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/arsenal/id/1021?cc=5739" target="_blank">edge of his seat</a> as Arsenal must perform against Bayern.

In fact, Wenger says that journalists will "miss me when I'm gone". Does that mean <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345554/arsene-wenger-hints-at-arsenal-exit?cc=5739" target="_blank">he's going to move on this summer?</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/arsenewengerarsenalpre-bayernangrypressconference20130219_275x155.jpg"><br>Arsene Wenger was not happy in his pre-match presser.

It's crunch time for Arsenal in the Champions League as they face Bayern Munich. Join us at 1945 GMT.

Cazorla tries a backheel, but it doesn't find his team-mate. A little too clever there from the Spaniard.

There is certainly a feeling that Arsenal can get back into this now. Bayern have gone quiet and the Gunners are playing with more conviction.

Giroud does his defensive duty well, to get in front of the cross from Robben at the near post. Really impressive start from the Frenchman.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/lukaspodolskibayerngoal_275x155.jpg"><br>Podolski gets one back for Arsenal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kroos walks off, Gustavo comes on to tighten things up.

Great ball from Rosicky over to Walcott, the winger traps it and gets it across. Giroud hit it and Neuer blocked, but only because it came right at him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Podolski off and Giroud comes on to play up front.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramsey off and Rosicky comes on.

Now the passing comes, lots of nice triangles, and they are keeping hold of the ball well. Unfortunately, it's not getting them anywhere.

Arsenal on the attack and Podolski is almost found in the box before the ball is cleared.

Great play from Wilshere, who cuts inside and loses the ball, the battles to get it back and almost gets through on goal. Can't fault his commitment.

Schweinsteiger shoots, but the ball flies well over the bar.

Arsenal have not been timing their tackles very well this game. Although they are very good at complaining about the booking.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Yellow happy. Ramsey in the book now for a late one on Muller.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Podolski goes in the book for a late tackle on Robben. That has been coming.

Bayern look so dangerous on the break - Robben was racing through in the middle, but Kroos wasted the chance to pass to him in space. Lucky escape for Arsenal as he ran offside.

Kroos steals the ball from Ramsey, but the referee blows for a foul and Bayern could have been away there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ribery comes off, Robben comes on.

Good hit from Kroos from a tight angle. That could have sneaked under the bar, but Szczesny tips the ball over. From the corner, Martinez heads over with the keeper stuck in No Man's Land.

Martinez breaks up a Wilshere run, but Ramsey brings down Ribery on the edge of the box and now Bayern have a chance.

Wilshere runs at the defence, but is checked and gets up gingerly. Hope he is ok, as he is the heartbeat of the Gunners.

The Arsenal fans are now getting louder... thir side will need all their power to feed off.

Neuer punches from in front of the head of Mertesacker. That was close, and was a good ball in from Wilshere.

A chance to float the ball in now... could the comeback be on?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Muller is now in the book. A poor tackle on Vermaelen on the left.

Bayern looking a little rattled now. Who would have thought that the Gunners would be back in it from a corner!

A stroke of luck and the Gunners now have something to believe in.

A lucky goal there, the corner was not a corner as it came off Podolski, but then when it came in, the ball bounced over everyone and the German headed it into an empty net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Podolski somehow gets his head on it and it's 2-1.

Cazorla getting into the game more, and pushes the ball out to hit it with his left foot. It deflects behind for a corner.

Lots of space down the right for Bayern whenever they need it. Arsenal need to attack, but they need to watch that space as well.

Bayern are pressing the Arsenal defence well, and Koscielny is looking uncomfortable bringing the ball out.

Cazorla and Wilshere looking to link and Dante has to come out and block a volley as Wilshere lets fly.

Cazorla tries to slot it through to Walcott, but the ball is cleared by Dante and now they attack again. So much space on the counter!

The short passing is coming thick and fast, but isn't finding an end product at the moment. Lahm and Kroos try some of their own and almost get through, but Vermaelen is there.

Sagna gets away and links with Cazorla. Good interplay on the outside of the box, but it comes to nothing.

Lahm twisting and turning and trying to get clear, but no signs there is much different to be honest. Bayern are still pressing and Arsenal are pretty much as you were.

Kroos with a good corner and then a good cross, and the ball skids through the Gunners' defence to safety.

Inside 28 seconds, another long ball to Walcott, who falls over and loses it. Not sure the tactics have changed much

<b>KICK-OFF</b> Bayern get us underway again...

Porto v Malaga is goalless, by the way. A better result for the home side right now. <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358627/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">Follow here</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/thomasmullergoalarsenal_275x155.jpg"><br>Muller pokes home the second.

The boos ring out, but then chants of 'come on Arsenal'. There will need to be some changes at the break.

<b>HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 0-2 BAYERN</b>. The Gunners have been totally dominated this half and have hardly been in the game. Things have to change and fast, but credit to the Germans who have been good.

Another long ball is easily dealt with by the Bayern defence.

Two minutes of added time to play.

What a chance. Bayern could have had three. Mandzukic was completely free for a ball in from Lahm, but his header shaved the post.

Wilshere was unlucky not to get a foul just outside the box. Thought he looked like he was brought down, but nothing given.

Arsenal resorting to the long ball as they can't hold onto it. Not the best tactic with Cazorla and Walcott up front.

Podolski caught on the ball and there has been far too much of that this half. The Gunners are off the pace and look like they want half-time.

Muller breaks now for Bayern, but there is nobody up there and the move fizzles out.

Wilshere breaks and releases Cazorla, who gets away from his man. Good passing and chance is there for Walcott but it's on the head again. He can't leap high enough.

Podolski gets away, but floats the ball in to Walcott who is never going to win an aerial battle.

Good flick on and Ramsey is trying to get away. He's not got the pace though and has to turn back into danger.

Sagna pounces on a slip and knocks it inside to Walcott, who turns and tries to get a shot off. Again, the Bayern defence close ranks and keep him out.

Couple of decisions starting to go Arsenal's way, but they are still woefully off the pace.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Schweinsteiger puts a tackle in on Ramsey and the ref books him. He misses the second leg now.

Arsenal still being pressured and hurried on the ball. It's not easy for them at the moment.

Would have been an unlikely goalscorer, but he hit it well and it was very bravely blocked.

The ball drops in the area after it was floated in, and Mertesacker hammers a shot against Van Buyten.

Walcott committed himself to getting hold of the ball and Dante took him out. They are both hurt, but Arsenal's free-kick and the defenders move up

Another couple of passing moves break down and they are not able to make the most of Walcott's pace at the moment, his runs are being tracked by Bayern's defence.

There are just so few options for Arsenal when they get the ball into Bayern's half. They are really struggling.

A mistake by Lahm and now the crowd are up, urging their players on.

In the final third, the Gunners have been rotten. Nothing has gone the way they would have wanted it to. And Bayern are countering with pace and skill.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/tonikroosarsenalgoal_275x155.jpg"><br>Kroos' effort flies in

Cazorla and Walcott try to break, but there is little invention and the move comes to nothing.

Bayern have done well to break up the play though and they counter so well.

Ramsey shows some fight and races back to get hold of the ball. Now Arsenal can attack and they have started to get the flow of their passing back.

Bayern have so far had 5 shots, 3 of which were on target and lead 2-0. Arsenal haven't had one yet.

Arsenal losing their composure and the fans are silent. Maybe even a few boos.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Another Gunner in the book, Arteta with a poor foul and well deserved.

Cazorla goes on a run, but gets the ball stuck under his feet. It's just not working out at the moment.

Bayern on the attack again and Mertsacker heads clear as Martinez was lurking.

Wenger looks pretty disconsolate on the bench. His side have been completely outplayed.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna in the book for a crude tackle on Kroos. That was frustration.

That really was poor defending and Arsenal are rocking now.

It was Van Buytenn who was left free to head on goal, and Szczesny pushed it out to Muller who knocked it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Muller. A corner comes in, the defender headed it on and Muller was there to push it home.

Ribery cuts inside and finds Lahm in space. The ball comes in, but Koscielny blocks at the near post. One way traffic at the moment.

Schweinsteiger cushions the ball after a corner and tries to loop it into the net, but it flies easily over.

Podolski furious at Ribery as he brings him down, but that's been the story of the half for Arsenal. Frustration and little else.

Arsenal can only dream of being that far from goal at the moment, but that almost changed as Martinez pulls off a great tackle on the charging Cazorla.

Schweinsteiger hits the free-kick, but it comes off his own man and goes behind. Two good chances from 25-30 yards for Bayern so far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Vermaelen late on Martinez. He dived in far too easily.

Bayern easily keeping hold of the ball in defence. Walcott is running about, but the Gunners are unable to close down the players.

A good chance to break. Walcott was away and one-on-one, but the Bayern players came back and snuffed out the danger. A very brief spark there from Walcott.

Vermaelen with a poor clearance and Mandzukic was almost in. Bayern reall are puling on the pressure now. Mertesacker has to clear under his own bar with a header.

Van Buyten hit it, but it went straight into the wall.

Kroos runs through the midfield and Arteta brings him down. A free-kick about 30 yards out and there could be a couple of contenders for this one.

Bayern fans making themselves heard and the team are knocking the ball about with ease. Arsenal need to be very careful here or it could all be over.

The Emirates has gone silent. It was a decent start from the Gunners, but they are shellshocked now.

So, the task facing Arsenal is even bigger now. Kroos' away goal has Bayern in the lead 1-0.

The ball to him may not have been meant, but you can't argue with that finish and his effort flew in in the blink of an eye.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Kross goal. The ball was knocked back to the edge of the box and Kroos hammers the ball home. What a finish.

Arteta was making himself a nuisance in front of Neuer for a corner, but a foul was given.

Excellent break from Arsenal with Sagna and Wilshere down the right. Walcott is slid through, but wide, and crosses with no-one in the box.

The ball flies across the Arsenal box and finds Madzukic who hammers a shot against Vermaelen and out for a corner.

Looks very congested in the middle... looks like the flanks might get a decent run this game.

Great ball down the right from Wilshere and Cazorla was free. He crossed, but it was deflected into the arms of Neuer.

Bayern have not had much of a kick at the moment, with the Gunners controlling the early possession.

Ramsey was bursting away there, but the ref blew his whistle for a foul from Martinez. He could have played advantage.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. Arsenal in control

If you fancy a chat, then head <a href="http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/1345787/the-boot-room?cc=5739" target="_blank">here</a>

By the way, if you have accidently landed on this commentary and were looking for Porto v Malaga, then we also have that <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/358627/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">here</a>

Kick-off is just minutes away and the players are coming out onto the pitch.

The players are in the tunnel.. Looking forward to seeing how Wenger reacts post-match whatever the score.

Bayern will certainly feel like they can grab an away goal or two at the Emirates. The Gunners' defence is fragile and has Vermaelen playing at LB, with a half-fit Koscielny at CB.

The key could be the pace of Walcott in a central striking role. Van Buyten could be exposed there, but Dutchman will win the physical battle.

The way Arsenal will set up should be interesting. Would not be surprised to see Ramsey playing on the right wing, and Wilshere in deep midfield.

Meanwhile, Arsenal may struggle to keep hold of a tired looking Arsene Wenger. He is <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345554/arsene-wenger-hints-at-arsenal-exit?cc=5739" target="_blank">hinting at an exit</a>, which may happen before his contract ends in 2014.

If they want to get even better, they could always sign Zlatan. And he <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345996/ibrahimovic-open-bayern-move?cc=5739" target="_blank">seems pretty keen to test himself in Germany</a>

It is a very good Bayern side though. 57 goals scored, just 7 conceded in the Bundesliga and they are 15 points clear at the top.

Well, Arsenal's season begins here. Teams have done it before: Chelsea last season won the UCL when out of everything else.

Also a decision made from the German side with striker Mandzukic named over Gomez. Not the biggest call given recent form there though...

So there we have it. Theo Walcott looks like he will get a chance up front on his own, although some suggesting Podolski may the one who plays there. Either way, a big decision from Arsene Wenger.

Bayern subs: Starke, Tymoschuk, Rafinha, Robben, Shaqiri, Gustavo, Gomez

Subs for Arsenal: Mannone, Diaby, Rosicky, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin, Jenkinson

Bayern team: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Javi Martínez, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ribery; Mandzukic

Arsenal team: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Ramsey; Cazorla, Wilshere, Podolski; Walcott.

Sam Limbert will be on the <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/arsenal/id/1021?cc=5739" target="_blank">edge of his seat</a> as Arsenal must perform against Bayern.

In fact, Wenger says that journalists will "miss me when I'm gone". Does that mean <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1345554/arsene-wenger-hints-at-arsenal-exit?cc=5739" target="_blank">he's going to move on this summer?</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0219/arsenewengerarsenalpre-bayernangrypressconference20130219_275x155.jpg"><br>Arsene Wenger was not happy in his pre-match presser.

It's crunch time for Arsenal in the Champions League as they face Bayern Munich. Join us at 1945 GMT.